# Online Ads and Blockers
### Before

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### Installed Ad Gaurd for Safari

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### After

I used screenshots from Buzzfeed to demonstrate the before and after. In these screenshots you can see the plethora of ads that were on the page before the ad blocker was installed and the sharp contrast to after, when there were no longer ads on the page.

# Reading Response
The debate surrounding online advertising and whether or not users should be able to easily block ads has been a topic of recent discourse. On one hand, online advertising is a major source of revenue for websites and services that we consume on a daily basis, and said advertising allows for the internet to function and remain free. On the other hand, however, users have legitimate concerns about privacy, security, and the overall impact that advertising has on their online experience. Thus, many argue that ad blocking is necessary because targeted advertising can be harmful.

As the article [“Targeted Advertising Considered Harmful”](https://zgp.org/targeted-advertising-considered-harmful/) written by Don Marti highlights, targeted advertising can be used to manipulate users by exploiting their personal data and preferences. This can create a filter bubble where users are only exposed to information and products that reinforce their existing beliefs and biases. So, by allowing users to block ads, we can help to reduce the power that advertisers have over our online experiences and limit the spread of harmful or misleading information.

However, without ads, who pays for the content and services provided through the internet? Advertising is a major source of revenue for many websites and services that we use for free. Without advertising, it is likely that many of these sites would either have to start charging for access or shut down entirely which would have a major impact on the internet and the way it functions. One potential solution is using acceptable ads, as discussed in the article [“Advertisers Are Paying Off Ad Blockers to Show 200 Million Users “Acceptable Ads”](https://restoreprivacy.com/report-ad-blockers-allowing-acceptable-ads/) by Sven Taylor. Acceptable ads are ads that are less intrusive and less likely to pose a threat to user privacy and security. By allowing acceptable ads to be displayed, users can still support the sites and services they use without having to endure the more negative aspects of online advertising. However, there is no universal definition of what constitutes an acceptable ad, and some users may still feel that any form of advertising is intrusive or manipulative.

Another potential solution is the use of alternative revenue streams, such as subscriptions or donations. Some websites and services have already started to experiment with these models, and there are signs that they can be successful. For example, the email service ProtonMail is entirely funded by subscriptions, and the news site The Guardian has started to rely more on reader contributions in recent years. However, these models may not be suitable for all types of websites and services, and it is likely that advertising will remain an important part of the online ecosystem for the foreseeable future.
Finally, it is worth noting that the use of ad blockers is not without risk. As the article [“Google ad for GIMP.org served info-stealing malware via lookalike site”](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-ad-for-gimporg-served-info-stealing-malware-via-lookalike-site/) by Ax Sharma highlights, some ads can be used to deliver malware or other harmful content. This means that users who block ads may be exposing themselves to additional risks, but it is important to note that risk can be mitigated through the use of reliable ad blockers and other security tools.

Overall, the question of whether or not users should be able to easily block ads is complex. While online advertising is an important source of revenue for many websites and services, it can also be harmful. Acceptable ads and alternative revenue streams may offer some solutions, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, the decision to block ads or not is up to individual users, and they should weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully before making a decision.